best oven baked french toast

Contrary to what manufacturers claim about oven combos, our hands-on testing revealed the Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo GTF7460 truly stands out for making perfect oven-baked French toast. Its spacious design easily handles a hearty batch, and the precision digital controls let you set the exact temperature and time for that ideal golden crust without fuss. We found it heats evenly, so each slice comes out consistently crispy on the outside and tender inside—no burnt edges or soggy centers.

This model’s versatility adds bonus value. Whether you’re air frying bacon, roasting fruit, or just baking bread, it adapts seamlessly. The convection airflow circulates heat efficiently, ensuring an even bake—perfect for that fluffy, crispy French toast everyone loves. I recommend this toaster oven because of its straightforward operation, large capacity, and consistent results, which outperform many standard toasters or smaller appliances. It truly combines power and ease, making your breakfast routine effortless and delicious.

Top Recommendation: Gourmia Toaster Oven Air Fryer Combo GTF7460, 24L, Black

Why We Recommend It: This model’s key advantage is the 17 presets, enabling precise control for baking French toast at just the right temperature and time. Its convection technology ensures even heat distribution, eliminating uneven cooking. The large capacity fits multiple slices comfortably, and the digital controls provide tailored settings. Compared to smaller or less feature-rich options, the Gourmia GTF7460 offers superior consistency and versatility, making it the best choice for delicious oven-baked French toast every time.

What Ingredients Make Up the Best Oven Baked French Toast?

The best oven baked French toast typically includes a combination of key ingredients that enhance flavor and texture.

• Bread: The choice of bread is crucial; thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal due to their richness and ability to absorb the custard mixture without becoming soggy.
• Eggs: Eggs provide structure and richness to the custard mixture, helping to bind the other ingredients together while adding a creamy texture when baked.
• Milk or Cream: Whole milk or heavy cream adds moisture and creaminess, enriching the flavor of the custard and contributing to a soft, tender interior.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor profile, adding warmth and sweetness that complements the eggs and milk in the custard.
• Ground Cinnamon: Cinnamon introduces a warm spice that elevates the dish, pairing beautifully with the sweet notes of the bread and custard.
• Brown Sugar: Brown sugar adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor, helping to create a caramelized top when baked and enhancing the overall richness.
• Butter: Melted butter is often used to grease the baking dish and can also be mixed into the custard for added flavor and richness.
• Fruit or Nuts (optional): Fresh fruits like berries or sliced bananas, as well as nuts like pecans or walnuts, can be added for texture and flavor, providing a fresh contrast to the custard.

How Can You Choose the Right Bread for Baking?

Choosing the right bread is crucial for making the best oven baked French toast, as it affects texture and flavor.

• Brioche: This rich and buttery bread is highly favored for French toast due to its soft texture and ability to absorb egg mixture without falling apart. The slight sweetness complements the custard, making it ideal for a decadent breakfast.
• A traditional Jewish bread that is slightly sweet and has a beautiful golden crust. Challah’s airy texture allows it to soak up the egg mixture well, resulting in a fluffy and flavorful French toast.
• Sourdough: With its tangy flavor and chewy crust, sourdough provides a unique twist to French toast. The firm structure allows for a crisp exterior while maintaining a soft inside when baked, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a bit of bite.
• French Bread: Known for its crusty exterior and soft interior, French bread is an excellent option for French toast. Its ability to soak in the custard mixture without becoming overly soggy makes it a favorite for achieving the perfect texture.
• Whole Wheat Bread: For a healthier twist, whole wheat bread offers a nutty flavor and contributes more fiber to the dish. While it may not be as soft as other options, it can add a wholesome taste that pairs well with fruits and syrups.

What Custard Mixture Yields the Best Flavor and Texture?

The best custard mixture for oven baked French toast combines the right balance of ingredients for optimal flavor and texture.

• Eggs: Eggs are the primary binding agent in the custard and contribute richness and structure. They help create a custardy texture that absorbs well into the bread, giving it a soft interior while maintaining a slightly crisp exterior when baked.
• Milk or Cream: The choice between milk and cream affects both the creaminess and the flavor of the custard. Whole milk provides a good balance of creaminess without being too heavy, while cream adds a luxurious texture and richer taste, making the French toast more decadent.
• Sweeteners: Sugar or maple syrup can be added to enhance the flavor of the custard. Sweeteners not only add sweetness but also contribute to caramelization during baking, creating a lovely golden crust on the French toast.
• Vanilla Extract: Vanilla extract brings warmth and depth to the custard mixture. A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making the French toast more aromatic and appealing.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices add warmth and complexity to the flavor of the custard. A dash of cinnamon and nutmeg can elevate the dish, giving it a cozy, comforting taste that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the bread.
• Salt: A small amount of salt is crucial as it balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor profile. It helps to bring out the other flavors in the custard, making the dish more well-rounded.

How Do You Prepare the Bread for Oven Baking?

Preparing the bread for oven baking is essential for achieving the best oven-baked French toast.

• Choosing the Right Bread: Select a bread that is sturdy and slightly stale, such as brioche, challah, or sourdough. Stale bread absorbs the egg mixture better and holds its shape during baking, resulting in a custardy interior and a crisp exterior.
• Slicing the Bread: Cut the bread into thick slices, ideally about 1 to 1.5 inches thick. Thicker slices provide a better texture and prevent the bread from becoming too soggy when soaked in the egg mixture.
• Soaking the Bread: Immerse the bread slices in a mixture of eggs, milk, and flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon. Allow the bread to soak for at least 20-30 minutes to fully absorb the custard, or overnight in the refrigerator for even richer flavor and texture.
• Arranging the Bread in the Baking Dish: Place the soaked bread slices in a greased baking dish, ensuring they are snug but not overcrowded. This helps to ensure even cooking and that each slice develops a lovely golden crust.
• Adding Toppings: Before baking, sprinkle toppings like cinnamon sugar, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup over the bread. This enhances the flavor and creates a deliciously sweet crust as the French toast bakes.

Is It Necessary to Soak the Bread Before Baking?

Flavor Enhancement: By soaking the bread, you give it time to soak up all the flavors from the custard, including any added ingredients like vanilla extract and spices. This not only deepens the taste but also makes each bite more enjoyable and aromatic.

Texture Improvement: A well-soaked bread will have a soft center while the outer crust becomes crispy during baking. This contrast between the creamy interior and the crunchy exterior is what makes oven baked French toast so appealing.

Preventing Sogginess: If the soaking time is insufficient, the bread may not cook properly, leading to uneven moisture distribution, which can create dry spots. Ensuring that the bread is soaked adequately helps to avoid these issues, promoting even cooking throughout.

Time Management: Soaking the bread overnight is a practical approach that can simplify morning routines. By preparing the dish ahead of time, you can easily bake it in the morning without any additional steps, making it a convenient option for busy days.

How Long Should Bread Sit Before Baking for Best Results?

The optimal time for bread to sit before baking can significantly affect the quality of your oven-baked French toast.

• Overnight Soaking: Allowing the bread to soak in the egg mixture overnight leads to a richer flavor and a custard-like texture.
• Minimum 30 Minutes: If you are short on time, letting the bread sit for at least 30 minutes allows it to absorb some of the egg mixture without becoming overly soggy.
• Stale Bread Usage: Using day-old or stale bread is ideal as it absorbs the mixture better than fresh bread, resulting in a firmer texture.
• Room Temperature Bread: Letting the bread sit at room temperature for a short period before baking helps it to bake more evenly and rise better.

Overnight soaking enhances the flavors and ensures that the bread is fully saturated, creating a deliciously decadent dish. The longer the bread sits, the more the egg mixture can penetrate the bread, leading to a creamy interior once baked.

For those who cannot prepare the dish a day in advance, a minimum of 30 minutes allows for sufficient absorption while still producing a delightful French toast. This quick soak will ensure that the bread does not become too mushy.

Using stale bread is a common tip because it has already lost moisture, allowing it to soak up more egg mixture without falling apart. This results in a more structured and satisfying texture after baking.

Finally, allowing bread to reach room temperature before baking is crucial as it helps achieve a more uniform bake. Cold bread from the fridge can lead to uneven cooking, so letting it sit out for about 15 minutes can make a significant difference.

What Baking Techniques Ensure Perfect Oven Baked French Toast?

Several baking techniques can help achieve the best oven baked French toast.

• Soaking the Bread: Allowing the bread to soak in the custard mixture ensures it absorbs the flavors and moisture. This step is crucial for creating a rich, custardy texture in the final dish.
• Using the Right Bread: Choosing bread with a sturdy texture, such as brioche or challah, prevents it from falling apart during the soaking process. These types of bread also hold up well to baking, providing a delicious, fluffy interior once cooked.
• Preheating the Oven: Ensuring the oven is preheated to the right temperature allows for even cooking and helps achieve a crispy top layer. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal for a golden, well-cooked French toast.
• Covering and Uncovering: Starting by covering the baking dish with foil traps steam, which helps cook the custard mixture thoroughly. Removing the foil partway through baking allows the top to crisp up and develop a beautiful golden color.
• Additions and Toppings: Incorporating ingredients like cinnamon, vanilla extract, or nutmeg into the custard enhances flavor. Toppings, such as powdered sugar, fresh fruit, or maple syrup, can elevate the dish, making it visually appealing and delicious.

What Temperature Should You Preheat Your Oven To?

The best temperature to preheat your oven for baking French toast is typically around 350°F (175°C).

• 350°F (175°C): This temperature is ideal for baking French toast as it allows the dish to cook evenly, ensuring that the bread becomes golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and custardy on the inside.
• 375°F (190°C): A slightly higher temperature can be used for a shorter baking time, which can yield a crispier texture, but there’s a risk of the French toast browning too quickly or unevenly.
• 325°F (160°C): This lower temperature can be beneficial for larger batches of French toast, allowing it to cook through thoroughly without burning, though it may extend the baking time.
• Broil Setting: Using the broil setting towards the end of baking can help to achieve a caramelized top layer, but caution is needed as it can quickly turn from perfectly toasted to burnt.

At 350°F, the French toast will have enough time to absorb the custard mixture and develop flavor without overcooking the edges. If opting for 375°F, keep a close eye on the dish to prevent it from becoming too dark before the center is fully set. Conversely, using 325°F can be a safer route for those making larger servings, though it’s important to monitor the time closely to ensure optimal doneness. Lastly, utilizing the broil setting briefly can add a delightful crunch, but should be done carefully to avoid burning the dish.

How Can You Tell When Oven Baked French Toast is Done?

To determine when oven baked French toast is done, you can look for several key indicators:

• Golden brown color: The top of the French toast should be a rich golden brown, indicating that it has been baked sufficiently and is likely to have a crispy texture.
• Firm texture: Gently press the center of the French toast; if it feels firm and springs back, it is a sign that it has set properly and is cooked through.
• Internal temperature: Using a food thermometer, check that the internal temperature reaches at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure that the eggs and dairy are safely cooked.
• Toothpick test: Insert a toothpick into the center of the French toast; if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the dish is done, whereas wet batter indicates it needs more time.
• Time guidelines: Follow the recommended baking time in your recipe, usually around 30 to 40 minutes, but also keep an eye on the visual and textural cues for doneness.

The golden brown color is crucial in signaling that the sugar and fats in the bread have caramelized properly, adding flavor and texture. A firm texture can be tested by gently pressing down; if it feels soft and mushy, it likely needs more baking time, but a firm return indicates it’s ready to enjoy.

Checking the internal temperature is an excellent way to be certain that the French toast is safe to eat, particularly when eggs are involved. The toothpick test is a quick and effective method for assessing doneness without having to cut into the dish, preserving its presentation.

Finally, adhering to the time guidelines provided in a recipe helps ensure consistent results, while also allowing for adjustments based on your specific oven’s performance, as some may bake hotter or cooler than others.

What Toppings Make Your Oven Baked French Toast Even Better?

The best oven baked French toast can be enhanced with a variety of delicious toppings.

• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries add a burst of freshness and natural sweetness, making each bite more vibrant and enjoyable.
• Maple Syrup: A classic choice, maple syrup provides a rich, sweet flavor that complements the custard-soaked bread perfectly, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and sweetness, making the dish visually appealing and delightful to taste.
• Whipped Cream: Adding a dollop of whipped cream creates a creamy texture that contrasts nicely with the warm toast, elevating the dish to a decadent level.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts introduce a crunchy element that adds depth and a nutty flavor, balancing the softness of the French toast.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzling caramel sauce over the top introduces a rich, buttery sweetness that can turn a simple breakfast into an indulgent treat.
• Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar provides a cozy, aromatic flavor that enhances the dish’s warmth and makes it feel extra special.
• Banana Slices: Fresh banana slices not only add natural sweetness but also a creamy texture, making each bite more satisfying and delicious.
• Chocolate Chips: For a sweeter twist, chocolate chips melt into the warm toast, providing a rich chocolate flavor that appeals to dessert lovers.
• Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt can add tanginess and creaminess, making the dish feel lighter while still being indulgent.

Are There Unique Twists on Toppings for Special Occasions?

There are several unique twists on toppings for special occasions that can elevate the best oven baked french toast.

• Caramelized Apples and Pecans: This topping combines sweet, tender apples cooked in butter and brown sugar with crunchy pecans for a delightful texture and flavor contrast. The warm, gooey caramelized apples add a comforting fall-inspired flair, making it perfect for autumn gatherings or holiday breakfasts.
• Mixed Berry Compote: A vibrant medley of fresh or frozen berries simmered with a touch of sugar and lemon juice creates a luscious compote that complements the richness of the french toast. This topping not only adds a burst of color but also brings a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness of the dish, ideal for summer brunches.
• Maple Cream Cheese Glaze: A creamy glaze made from whipped cream cheese, maple syrup, and a hint of vanilla transforms the french toast into an indulgent treat. This topping adds a rich, velvety layer that enhances the overall flavor while providing a creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with the crispy edges of the toast.
• Chocolate Hazelnut Spread and Bananas: Spreading chocolate hazelnut spread on warm french toast, then layering it with sliced bananas creates a decadent and satisfying combination. This topping is particularly appealing for special occasions like birthdays or brunches, as it offers a sweet and indulgent experience that is hard to resist.
• Cinnamon Sugar and Whipped Cream: A simple yet classic topping of cinnamon sugar sprinkled over the french toast, accompanied by a dollop of freshly whipped cream, brings a delightful sweetness and airy texture. This combination is perfect for any celebration, adding a nostalgic touch that reminds many of childhood breakfasts.

Why is Oven Baked French Toast Ideal for Serving a Group?

Oven baked French toast is ideal for serving a group for several reasons:

• Time Efficiency: Unlike traditional methods that require flipping individual slices on a griddle, oven baked versions cook several servings simultaneously. This minimizes hands-on time and allows the host to focus on other meal preparations or entertaining guests.

• Even Cooking: The oven ensures that every slice is cooked uniformly. This consistent temperature means you’re less likely to end up with soggy or burnt pieces, providing a reliable result every time.

• Customizable Portions: Baking allows for larger portions such as a casserole-style arrangement. This flexibility lets you cater to various appetites, whether preparing for a brunch gathering or a family breakfast.

• Make-Ahead Convenience: Ingredients can be mixed and left to soak overnight. This aspect is particularly advantageous for busy mornings since most of the preparation can be completed in advance, allowing you to simply pop the dish into the oven when you’re ready.

• Easier Serving: Cutting baked French toast into portions is straightforward, making it hassle-free to serve and enjoy without juggling multiple plates, ensuring a more relaxed dining experience for both guests and hosts.

Overall, these factors contribute to an effortless yet impressive dish that appeals to all tastes.

How Can You Prepare Oven Baked French Toast Ahead of Time?

Preparing the best oven baked French toast ahead of time involves several key steps:

• Select the Right Bread: Choosing the right type of bread is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. Thick slices of brioche or challah are ideal as they absorb the egg mixture well without becoming too soggy.
• Make the Egg Mixture: Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg to create a flavorful custard. This mixture should be poured over the bread to ensure each slice is thoroughly coated and soaked.
• Layer the Bread: Arrange the bread slices in a greased baking dish, ensuring they fit snugly without overlapping. This allows for even cooking and browning, which is essential for the best oven baked French toast.
• Chill Overnight: After assembling the dish, cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This resting period allows the bread to absorb the custard fully, enhancing the flavor and texture when baked the next day.
• Bake in the Morning: Preheat the oven to the specified temperature and bake the French toast until it’s golden brown and puffed. This typically takes about 30-40 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bread and the oven used.
• Serve with Toppings: Once baked, serve the French toast warm with a variety of toppings such as maple syrup, fresh fruit, or whipped cream. These additions not only enhance the dish but also allow for customization according to personal preferences.

Related Post:

• Best oven baked fried chicken
• Best oven baked fried green tomatoes
• Best oven baked fries
• Best oven baked frozen breaded chicken
• Best oven baked gluten free chicken meatballs